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Herbaceous Perennial

Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

globe thistle 'Taplow Blue'

A robust, upright herbaceous perennial, with divided, prickly dark green leaves whitish beneath. Rounded, steel-blue flower heads on branched, leafy stems

Synonyms
Echinops 'Taplow Blue'
Echinops ritro 'Taplow Blue'
see moreEryngium 'Taplow Blue'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in seed bed in mid spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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